Foreign envoys urge Somali Parliament to expedite Presidential poll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign envoys in Somalia have called for swift formation of the Joint Ad Hoc Committee to facilitate the holding of the presidential poll following the conclusion of the elections of speakers and deputy speakers of Somalia’s bicameral parliament.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday night,  UN, UK, US, AU, EU and among others said members of the bicameral parliament must accelerate the process noting the country face many challenges which need to be addressed.

“At a time when Somalia is facing multiple challenges including the drought, joblessness and insecurity, parliamentarians have the opportunity to show leadership which responds to citizens’ most basic needs,” said Michael Keating, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia.

The foreign ambassadors in Mogadishu praised the conclusion of the installation of the parliamentary leadership adding it concluded an important phase of Somalia’s electoral process.

“The international community expects the two houses of parliament to maintain a positive working relationship between them and with the executive, in order to accomplish the important task of building a better Somalia,” the statement urged.

The partners said the new federal parliament is comprised of the most diverse group of legislators ever to take office in the country’s history.

“Its members now have a solemn duty to convert that achievement into positive reforms that will expand opportunities for women, youth and minorities in Somali politics and society,” said International Community in their statement.

The IC members noted that it will also be important to review legislation the previous parliament was unable to pass, and develop new legislation required for good governance.

“ The constitutional review process should be completed without delay as a clear priority, underpinning, amongst other things, the state formation process; contributing to and building upon key decisions needed on the structure of federal security sector institutions; and promoting consensus-building and reconciliation among all Somalis,” said the partners.

International partners said they wish to stress the paramount importance of conducting a transparent, clean and credible presidential election whose outcome will be widely accepted by the people of Somalia and the international community.